(Optional) Analyze water quality indicators of a given body of water or aquatic habitat.
Analysis should include, but not be limited to, testing water for
- chemical sampling (e.g., pH, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, dissolved oxygen)
- physical sampling (e.g., temperature, clarity, turbidity, biological indicators).
Process/Skill Questions:
- What types of water pollutants are monitored?
- How are these pollutants identified?
- What are some ways to monitor water pollutants?
- How can macroinvertebrates help determine the health of a waterway?
- Why does chemical analysis of a water sample only provide a snapshot of water quality?
- What is the effect of poor water quality on an ecosystem?
- What is the effect of good water quality on an ecosystem?
- How does temperature affect dissolved oxygen levels?
- What equipment is needed to test water quality?
- How can excess nutrient harm a waterway?
- Why is it important to know the quality of water?